Agenda - 05-23-2005-w2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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39 nutrient pollution -both from point source dischargers and from non-point runoff The pollution `load' is calculated to a tlneshold for what a healthy Jordan Lake can handle (Total Maximwn Daily Load - TMDL) and then this reduced amount of nutrient `load" is allocated to all the sources of pollution. ^ This strategy mandates reductions in the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus entering the lake from all wastewater treatment plants. ^ New rules are proposed to reduce polluted run-off into streams from land and paved surfaces such as mandatory undisturbed stream buffers, better agricultural, storm water, and on-site wastewater protections. After public comment, The Draft plan will go back to the Enviromnental Management Commission for a vote this July. We expect a hard fight to get this plan through because of opposition from local governments who balk at spending more on pollution controls and development and agricultural interests who resist new water protection rules. Help from the Legislature: As we go to press, a `Drinking Water Reservoir Protection Act" bill has been introduced in the Senate (SB 981) and the House of Representatives (HB 1134) that will address problems in these reservoirs before they are listed as impaired. In addition it will require the EMC to report to the legislature next year on the progress of the Nutrient Plan for Jordan Lake and its implementation. Take Action: The Haw River Assembly was a key stakeholder in the process that led to the Draft plan. We have made recommendations to strengthen parts of the plan further, including safeguards on any pollution trading programs, and equally stringent protections for the middle part of the lake where massive new developments using spray irrigation WWTP are being built in Chatham County.. ^ To read the draft report use this liiilc for the DWQ website: http://h2o.enr-state.nc.us/tmdl To read the Haw River Assembly's comments go to our website: www.hawriver.or~ Attend the Nutrient Management Strategy attd TMDL Public Meeting May 2, 2005, 6:00 pm in Building 1, Alarna~tce Connnunity College, in Graham (at Hwy 54 exit off I-85/40) ^ Tell DENR you support the Draft report -send comments to Michelle Woolfolk at DWQ by May :31, 2005. Email: michelle.woolfolk@ncmail.net ^ Tell your representatives at the General Assembly to support the Drinking Water Reservoir Protection Act" bilk Go to htto://www.ncleQ.net/NCGAInfo/Directories/emailinfo html ^ Tell your local government officials in the Haw River and Jordan Lake watershed that you support new protections for clean water for Jordan Lalce NOW-and so should they. We cannot wait any longer. (HRA's Executive Director Elaine Chiosso reps°esented the Harov Rive~° Assembly and other envirom~aental interests dm°ing the Joy°dan L,a1ce Stalceholde~° P~rojeet from May 100.3 -until December 2004)